Yeshiva University Names Its Medical College for Prof. Einstein

March 17, 1953

NEW YORK (Mar. 16)

America’s first medical college under Jewish auspices, part of Yeshiva University here, was today named the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Samuel Belkin, president of Yeshiva University, formally notified Prof Einstein of the University’s decision to name the medical college for him at a luncheon yesterday at the Princeton Inn which also marked Dr. Einstein’s 74th birthday, One hundred community leaders from 20 different cities in the United States and Canada were present to witness the naming of the College and the presentation to Dr. Einstein of a model of the projected medical college building with its facade bearing the name Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

The model was presented by New York State Attorney General Nathaniel L. Goldstein, who is serving as national chairman of the Medical College Campaign. Mr. Goldstein announced that over $3,000,000 in cash and pledges had been raised of the $10,000,000 needed to construct and equip the College. An additional $520,000 was raised at the birthday celebration yesterday in honor of Dr, Einstein.

Responding to the notification and presentation, Dr. Einstein Welcomed the new College as a contribution of real significance to the general welfare affording wider opportunities for young people to pursue medical careers. Expressing appreciation for the honor offered him, Dr. Einstein said:

“I am grateful that Yeshiva University has honored me by using my name in connection with the new College of Medicine. There is a shortage of physicians in this country and there are many young people, able and eager to study medicine, who under present circumstances – are deprived of the opportunity to do so.”

Reminiscing on the influences that led to his choice of a scientific career, Dr. Einstein recalled how impressed he was as a child of five by his first sight of a compass and his introduction to plane geometry at the age of 12. “To me it appears as if those outside stimuli have had a considerable influence on my development. Man, however, has had very little insight into what is going on within himself. Seeing a compass for the first time may not have a similar effect on every child.”

Speaking of young men about to embark on scientific careers, Dr. Einstein said; “He who has the urge to do creative scientific work will find his own way. It is not advice, but stimulating example that matters.”